Tim Curry's health crisis

Actor Tim Curry has suffered a major stroke, but friends say Dr. Frank-N-Furter will prevail over this health crisis.

British actor Tim Curry is recovering after suffering a major stroke at his Los Angeles home last night.

The 67-year-old, who gained cult icon status with his role as the campy Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show alongside then-ingenue Susan Sarandon, is not on the verge of death as would be feared under such circumstances — rather, his pals say he's actually doing great all things considered.

"He absolutely can speak and is recovering at this time and in great humor," she said.

Curry, who also starred in Clue — another cult classic — has is no stranger to health crises. In 2001, he was forced to pull out of the Chichester Film Festival Theatre's production of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, reportedly due to asthma and a chest infection.

Curry originated the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the London and Los Angeles stage productions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show before going on to star in the film. Included in his many stage, film, and TV appearances over the years are turns in Charlie's Angels, The Hunt for Red October, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Kinsey, Muppet Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, and the world's most terrifying clown in Stephen King's It.